Tucked away in the lush folds of the Shivalik range, Arki—aptly meaning “a sunny place”—is a picturesque hill town in Solan district. Once the capital of the princely state of Baghal, Arki offers a fascinating blend of art, culture, history, and serene landscapes—truly a hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh.
A Glimpse of Its Storied Heritage
Founded by Rajput Rana Ajai Dev, Arki rose to prominence in the 17th century when Rana Sabha Chand declared it the capital in 1643. The town’s star attraction, Arki Fort, was built between 1695 and 1700 by Rana Prithvi Singh. Today, it’s transformed into a captivating heritage hotel adorned with vibrant Pahari murals and rich Rajput–Mughal architectural charm.
The fort also played a dramatic role during the Gurkha invasion (1806–1815), serving as headquarters for the invaders until the British-backed Rana Jagat Singh reclaimed it. Subsequent ruler Rana Kishan Singh (1840–1867) further sculpted the town’s character with thoughtful infrastructure and deep patronage of the arts.
Must-Visit Attractions
1. Arki Fort (Heritage Hotel)
- A majestic structure blending Rajput and Mughlai architectural styles, adorned with vibrant frescoes. Once the power hub of Baghal, it’s now an inviting heritage stay.
2. Diwan-i-Khaas (Audience Hall)
- Built by Ram Shara Singh, this grand hall dazzles with paintings in Rajasthani, Kullu, Kangra, and Arki art forms—an artistic spiritual crossroad.
3. Arki Palace
- Perched on the western slopes of the Himalayas, this palace houses an eclectic collection of frescoes (including scenes from Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhava), carvings, armory, and Puranic inscriptions—all offering sweeping views of the town below.
4. Luturu Mahadev Temple
- Dating back to 1621, this Shiva shrine crowns a rugged hillock. Built by the local king, it draws devotees for its ancient sanctity and scenic locale.
5. Bhadrakali Temple
- A significant Shikhara-style temple dedicated to Goddess Kali—considered a Shaktipeeth within Himachal Pradesh.
6. Laxminarayan Temple
- Over a thousand years old, this temple is one of few that escaped medieval destruction, offering a rare glimpse of ancient temple architecture.
7. Shakhni Mahadev (Cave Temple)
- A serene cave temple honoring Lord Shiva, exemplifying Shikhara-style architecture amid stunning Himalayan vistas.
8. Durga Temple & City Shopping
- Another gem in Shikhara style, this temple buzzes with life during Navratri when a festive fair takes place. As for shopping, options in Arki are modest—tourists often head to nearby Shimla for a wider variety.
When to Visit Arki
Arki’s climate is temperate year-round:
- Summer (March–June): Pleasant and ideal for exploration.
- Monsoon (July–October): Moderate rains and refreshing landscapes.
- Winter (November–February): Cold and breezy—best for those who love winter chill.
Getting There & Planning Your Visit
- Located just 52 km from Shimla, accessible year-round and perfect for a day trip or leisurely stopover.
- By Air: Chandigarh Airport (~100 km) offers easy connectivity; Shimla’s small Jubbarhatti Airport (~40 km) has limited flights. Expect a 2–3 hour drive from both.
- Ideal Duration: A day, though extending to an overnight stay—especially at the heritage fort—can enrich the experience.
